In Spain, following the railway tragedy in Adamuz, the families of the victims and those affected have decided to join forces. Their initiative—the creation of a dedicated association—could transform the way such incidents are investigated and strengthen oversight of transport safety. This move comes in response to growing mistrust of official institutions and a widespread desire for real change.
According to El confidencial, the new organization has brought together people who faced the aftermath of the accident on January 18, 2026. The main goal is not only to support one another but also to take an active role in the legal proceedings. The association aims to act as a people’s prosecutor, seeking a thorough investigation and holding all those responsible to account.
United for Change
Initially, those affected connected on social media, sharing advice and information. However, it quickly became clear that protecting their interests and pressuring the authorities would require a formal body. That led to the founding of the Asociación Víctimas Descarrilamiento Adamuz, headed by Mario Samper. He now represents everyone’s interests in negotiations with state agencies and in court.
The organization has set several goals. Foremost among them is to ensure full disclosure of the circumstances surrounding the accident and determine who was responsible. In addition, the association calls for transparency from railway companies and government bodies to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Pressure on authorities
Members of the association emphasize that their union is not just a formality. They have already declared their intention to participate in the criminal proceedings as popular prosecutors. This will allow them to directly influence the course of the investigation and demand access to all case files. According to El confidencial, this move could set a precedent for similar cases in Spain.
The association is also calling on everyone affected by the accident to join the movement. The more people unite, the greater the chances of achieving justice and bringing about changes in the system. The organization promises to protect the interests of every participant and to seek compensation if those responsible are proven guilty.
Safety and transparency
One of the association’s key areas of focus will be promoting initiatives to improve railway safety. Victims are demanding not only an investigation into this particular incident, but also reforms in infrastructure management. They insist on transparency in all decisions related to train operation and maintenance, as well as stricter technical controls for trains.
The organization has already appealed to authorities with a proposal to create an independent commission to investigate transport accidents. Participants believe that only such an approach will help identify systemic problems and prevent new tragedies. The association also plans to keep the public informed about the progress of the investigation and to demand the publication of all case materials.
In recent years, Spain has faced several major railway accidents. After the disaster in Galicia in 2013, new safety standards were introduced, yet tragedies continue to occur. In 2024, Catalonia also saw a train derailment, prompting a wave of criticism toward transport companies. Each such incident sparks debate about the need for reforms and enhanced infrastructure controls. The new victims’ association under Adamuz may serve as an example for other regions in the country.
